Ancient Rome’s legendary inception is attributed to its first king, Romulus, whose miraculous birth narrative lays an adventurous foundation for this Eternal City. It all begins with Princess Rhea Silvia and Mars, the god of war. Due to a prophecy that her children might overthrow him, her uncle, King Amulius, forced her to become a Vestal Virgin. However, Mars fell in love with her and she gave birth to twins, Romulus and Remus.
On discovering the infants, Amulius ordered his servants to abandon them on the Tiber river’s banks, expecting them to perish. However, destiny had other plans. A she-wolf, inspired by an act of divine intervention, discovered the babies and nurtured them. Later, they were found and fostered by a shepherd, Faustulus, and his wife, Acca Larentia.
Growing up, the twins got embroiled in a dispute during which Remus lost his life, leaving Romulus to be Rome’s foundational figure. This compelling account symbolizes Mars’ valor, reflecting in Rome’s military might and the nurturing wolf symbolizes tenacity and survival against odds – key attributes of the Roman Empire.
 |
 |
